Rabat – A far-right Spanish group has sparked widespread controversy after calling for the deportation of football star Lamine Yamal, claiming he is “not Spanish” and urging him to “return to Morocco by boat.”
The remarks have been widely condemned as xenophobic, targeting the young winger despite his key role in Spain’s national team.
The group reportedly organized a street protest to amplify its message, using inflammatory chants and rhetoric directed at the player. Protesters also expressed frustration over what they described as restrictions on speech, while singling out Yamal in their slogans.
In their statements, members of the movement questioned his national identity, arguing that being Spanish goes beyond legal status or professional success. They also referenced his cultural background and religion, framing them as incompatible with their vision of Spanish identity.
The incident reignited debates in Spain over racism, national identity, and the place of multiculturalism in modern society, as this issue still particularly visible in football and public discourse, where players like Vinícius Júnior and Lamine Yamal are still facing racist abuse and xenophobic rhetoric despite their contributions to the sport.
